There is reported intensification in the internal power struggle at ABC News, as Jonathan Karl is said to be eyeing the top spot on “This Week with George Stephanopoulos.” This comes as the latest challenge for the Disney-owned network, which is navigating a changing media landscape and recent controversies.
Disney, the parent company of ABC, recently paid President-elect Donald Trump $16 million as part of a settlement. This followed a statement by Stephanopoulos on air in which he incorrectly stated that Trump was “liable for rape” against writer E. Jean Carroll in March, instead of sexual abuse. The swift move by the network to settle has sparked industry-wide discussions, especially given its timing amidst significant layoffs at ABC News.
A staff member conveyed the internal reaction to the settlement to Page Six, stating, “It’s another gut punch. The sheer level of embarrassment—people are furious.”
Another insider divulged, “He wants the show, and he sees [the Trump settlement] as an opportunity.” Referring to co-host Martha Raddatz, the source added, “In Jon’s mind, he wants George gone, so it’s just him and Martha.” Another source bluntly put, “Martha? Jon wants the show for himself! The bench has been ready to go for years.”
The series of events have left Stephanopoulos, 63, both angry and deeply embarrassed. His support system within the network has declined over the years, with many of his trusted colleagues leaving ABC. His appearances on “This Week” have been significantly reduced, with him now only appearing about once a month, contrasting his previous daily schedule.
The timing is particularly challenging for Stephanopoulos, who recently signed a new multi-year deal with ABC that included a substantial pay cut. Sources told The Wrap that his annual earnings decreased from $20-25 million to $15-18 million, over a four-year contract worth more than $65 million. The deal reportedly came with the likelihood of a reduced role in the network.
An insider noted that several individuals at the network are looking for Stephanopoulos’ replacement, pointing out that his current situation makes hosting a political show particularly difficult. The source highlighted that while Stephanopoulos’ strength has traditionally been political coverage, his capability to effectively cover Donald Trump has been questioned.
The internal strife isn’t limited to Karl and Stephanopoulos. Sources indicate that Stephanopoulos has had conflicts with fellow ABC veteran David Muir, resulting in “headaches for the network’s bosses.” This has led to Stephanopoulos being notably absent from special coverage focused on politics, including on election night, with those duties now allocated to Muir.
The network is also facing further pressure following criticism of Muir and co-moderator Linsey Davis’ handling of a recent presidential debate. Former Trump advisor Sam Nunberg issued a scathing prediction about ABC’s future, asserting that Disney was in trouble after the debate. At the time, he maintained his assessment, warning that Disney CEO Bob Iger would face serious accountability to shareholders if Trump won the presidency, due to Muir and Davis’ debate performance.
ABC News has categorically denied all reports of discord among the anchors. An official spokesperson for the network refuted the claims, stating that Stephanopoulos and Karl maintain a friendly and professional working relationship.
The Sunday morning news program continues to draw strong ratings, averaging 2.453 million total viewers and 401,000 adults aged 25-54 on January 5, 2025. So far this season, “This Week” is leading NBC’s “Meet the Press” by 57,000 viewers, marking its fourth consecutive season of outperforming its longtime competitor.
Karl, in his role as ABC News’ chief Washington correspondent, brings impressive credentials to his potential bid for the show’s head position. He has reported on U.S. politics, foreign policy, and the military from over 30 countries, earning esteemed accolades such as the Walter Cronkite Award and the National Press Foundation’s Everett McKinley Dirksen Award. He is also the author of two New York Times bestsellers about the Trump presidency, “Front Row at the Trump Show” and “Betrayal: The Final Act of the Trump Show.”
